Orris King 1925-2013

Orris Trela King
Loving Mother
1925 - 2013

When my Grandma's last days where upon us, I wrote the following words to share with her...

Lindsay & Gma
circa 1987

My Dear Grandma,

You have always been one of my favorite people in this world. Growing up you were bigger than life, and not just because you were tall in stature or so physically strong. I think it was your strength of heart. It takes a pretty amazing woman to single-handedly parent that rowdy passel of children like you did. And, to choose to continue living when your eldest son passed away. Now that I'm a parent, too, I more fully understand the strength it required to continue.

One of my favorite, childhood activities was listening to mom tell stories about growing up in a home with six children. I remember one story where you tried to take a nap only to have some stranger knock on the door to tell you that your children were ice skating on the pond. The temperature wasn't low enough to freeze the pond entirely so they had waded out to the ice. It's no surprise that you have always been one of the strongest women in my life. You have to be, to put up with your wild bunch.

Grandma with Zeke & Carbin

You are sweethearted & loyal in your caring for others. Whether it be your son, Steve, or one of the people you encountered as a social worker. Even while in the hospital this week, you would ask your caretakers how they were doing and reach up to stroke their face.

 Stubborn as a mule. I remember you visiting our home in Seattle. We had this 8-foot-tall, blueberry bush with the most delicious fruit. You were harvesting like crazy despite the large beehive tucked in the branches. After being stung several times, mom implored you to leave the bush & bees alone, but you didn't think the bees should get all the berries. Mom was falling apart in laughter at your stubborn streak while she continuously put a baking soda and water mixture on your stings.

Look what poor Grandma had to deal with!
Rosemary, Rita, Grandma, Brenda.

You are fiesty, as Clarke can attest.

A brilliant and quick-witted mind who enjoyed books, crosswords and word puzzles up to the end.

I imagine your resourcefulness partially grew out of necessity, but I'll never forget my amusement when I saw how you packed lunch for me one time. In your frugal way, you used an empty coffee tin for my chips rather than wasting a plastic bag. Some may have been embarrassed, but I was proud of my Grandma who had strived despite hard times.

Great Gma OK & Jack

Resilient. Before divorces were acceptable, you had one and you continued to hold your head high. Before women were common in the workforce, you proved to be a force of your own.

Homemaker. Even though I only visited once a year or so, your house always felt like home. I always enjoyed your cooking. I remember your amusement when I was so excited after you made creamed peas. I remember when you introduced me to peaches with cream and a dash of sugar. Mmm! I'll always remember that you were able to make a good meal out of nothing.

April 2013

Mostly, I will remember that I was your favorite. Or, at least, that's what I always told you, but the truth is
that you were my favorite, Grandma. I love you, and I'm going to miss you.

Jack is Twenty-One Months Old!

My Dear Sweet Son,

You're talking non-stop and it's fun to have conversations with you. You love pointing out colors and shapes that you see. I'm amazed how quickly you learn, and yet not thrilled with all of your mimicry. I've had to ask several people to watch their language as you are a little too quick to repeat anything you hear.

Daddy & I have done all we can to prevent ear infections, but your little body seems prone to them so it looks like we will have a meeting with an ear specialist to discuss tubes. I feel badly that you have to go through this, but I'm sure that your doctor is tired of your paranoid mom scheduling appointments to check your ears.

You love to sing songs, especially songs with hand motions. You love planes & trains. It's scary how fearless you are, but I enjoy seeing you love life.

Because digging in just a diaper is so much fun.

Someone wasn't very patient with the photo op process.

Enjoying treats from Hello Cupcake.

Leaving Las Vegas!

In July, Kylie flew to Vegas for orientation at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. After her first week, she already had a job at UNLV's bookstore and was excited to meet her roommate. So far, I think she's liking college life.

Brian drove Kylie's car down to Vegas and swung by Montana to grab Therin on his way. Then, Mama and Jack flew down on a plane. Jack loves planes, and he loves getting to see "Brother" and "Sister" in one spot.

Therin, Jack & Kylie

When people hear we're going to Vegas, I know that they immediately picture The Strip. We actually go to visit family and play in Grandma Mary's pool. However, this time Brian treated me to a night at the Luxor (so now I can say that I've slept in a pyramid). We caught an early show, and like the party animals we are, were in bed by 11:30pm.

We stayed at Brian's brother's house so we could play with cousins as much as possible. It was fun to meet our newest little cousin. Heath is sweet & smiley. And, really limber. The kid is always chewing on his toes! I'm positive that I've never been that flexible...

Our new cousin, Heath.

Hayden is a sweetie and a wild man.

Jack & Hayden at the water park that Uncle Dave built.
Well, maybe he just helped find funding for the project.

Jack with his namesake, Uncle David

It was great to see the fam and nice to get some warmer weather, but we fly home this afternoon. Although, we're sad to say goodbye, it will be nice to climb into our own beds tonight.

My Niece is the Cutest!

Lucy strikes a pose.

I had an unexpected visit from my niece today... Oh, and her mom came along, too. Anyway, back to Lucy. She is so cute! A total flirt. Plus, she really loves her big cousin, even when he won't share his snacks and steals her toys. She just stares at him with her beautiful, big smile and big, blue eyes. I can't wait for another visit from this cutie-pie!

James Archie King, 1925-2012

Grandpa came to visit my family in Seattle

James Archie King was quick-tempered, ornery, stubborn, and always one to question authority, especially when it came to those damn doctors.

Considered legally blind by 41yo, my grandfather needed a lot of those strong Irish traits just to make it in the world.

Recently, he confessed that a policeman pulled him over for driving his lawnmower into town. He wanted to know if he needed a license to drive a scooter instead. Apparently, he continued to ride his lawnmower anyway.

Grandpa was pretty rough around the edges, but put a baby in his arms and he'd coo and giggle. In fact, Baby Jack loved Grandpa's overalls with it's shiny buttons.

After an all you can eat buffet, I'm sure.

Ever the farmer.

Because blind guys like to drive, too.

My Aunt Rosemary & Grandpa

Grandpa loved Jack. Maybe even more than he loved me.

I love you, Gramps.

Happy Father's Day, Brian!

I'm sorry that you can't be with your kiddos today, but we're sending our love in the meanwhile.

Midwest Meanderings

Jack and I headed to the Midwest to visit family. First stop was Dad's house where Jack worked his magic and scored lots of love & toys.

Jack cuddles Uncle Cameron

Jack loved kissing his Aunt Katie

Afterwards, Jack & I trekked to Kansas where we played with cute cousins.

Levi shows off squirt gun skills.

The sweetest 6yo. Anna is a great reader, too.

Part of the reason we were in Kansas was for my cousin, Bailey's, Wedding.

Levi was the "Ring Bear".

Cousins, Bailey & Van, during the "Dollar Dance."

It's been a great trip, but tomorrow... Home, James!

Flashback Friday {the college years}

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Friends! Did you wear green? Or, did you get pinched? This isn't only St. Patty's day. It's also a Flashback Friday.

The pictures below are from a few years back when my mom & sister came to visit me in Spokane. I was struggling to survive the rigors at Whitworth College (now, Whitworth University), and found such a breath of fresh air in a visit from family. Aren't they adorable?

Lindsay & Kirby

Mom & Kirby - don't they look like sisters?!

Good Job, Pinterest!

My previous experiences with Pinterest was less than successful and more than messy. So many crafty people showing off their DIY goodies, and I sooo wanted to be in the club. Everyone makes it look so easy. I was determined to try again.

Quite awhile ago (pre-Jack), Brian & I discussed taking a woodworking class. We both thought it would be extremely cool to have family dinners at a table that he & I had made together. Well, those plans never came to fruition, and now I'm sure that we need more practice before that can happen.

I found great toy box instructions and was determined that "I can do that." After a way longer than necessary trip to Home Depot, I had all the wood. It took me quite awhile before I finally admitted to myself that I was going to need help with this project.

With Brian's direction, it only took a couple hours in the garage to whip up our toy box. I think it took me more than twice as long to finish the painting, but I'm very happy with this Pinterest Project. I think Jack is, too.

Playing in the toy box.

I had to bribe him with treats to get even this picture.

"Leave me alone. I'm busy, Mom."

Click here for the toy box plans.

Furber Family Fourth!

Daddy & Jack walking on the tidelands

We woke early for my family which meant we finally hit the road after 10am on The Fourth for a Furber Family day of fun and headed to Sequim where the sun's always shining! We immediately headed to my dear friend, Mary Beth's, house. She graciously let my family use her beach house as our home base while we crabbed, cooked up our snappy crustaceans, kayaked and setup the Furber Family Firework display. In Kylie's words, this year will be hard to beat! It was the best July 4th ever.

Therin is ready to catch crab... bare handed!

Adventurous siblings

Kylie is trying tons of new things these past few weeks.

Our yummy, patriotic dish

Sweet Jack fell asleep before the fireworks